Deputies raid 4 Phoenix-area McDonald’s, arrest 12 accused of using fake IDs

Deputies raid 4 Phoenix-area McDonald’s, arrest 12

PHOENIX — Sheriff’s deputies targeting illegal immigration on Friday arrested 12 people during the raids of four Phoenix-area McDonald’s restaurants, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said.

Deputies armed with search warrants raided McDonald’s in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa, and a mansion in Paradise Valley on Friday morning. The mansion is owned by Richard Coulston, who owns the restaurants.

Deputies could be seen on local television stations swarming around Coulston’s mansion.

Arpaio said his deputies believe more than 50 employees working at the restaurants may have used fake or stolen identities to get their jobs.

McDonald’s Corp. referred comment to Coulston’s company, R&L Management.

In a statement, R&L spokeswoman Julie Pace said people shouldn’t jump to conclusions without all the facts.

“The company has trained its managers and hiring personnel regarding proper hiring procedures,” Pace said. “It does not permit the hiring of employees without completing those procedures … Any individuals unable to meet the legal requirements for establishing authorization to work are not hired.”

Pace said the company was cooperating with the sheriff’s office.

Associated Press Writer Mark Carlson contributed to this report.